Kutsab ternga
In Tibetan, “Kutsab” refers to the representative of the body (i.e. the body of Guru Rinpoche). “Ter” means precious treasure and “Nga” means five.
The 5 representative treasures consist of :
- The statue of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Thongwa Donden) - this statue was made by Yeshe Tsogyal and consecrated by Guru Rinpoche himself
- The wrathful statue of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Dorje Drolo)
- The statue of Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal
- The dhagam (cloak) of Guru Rinpoche
- One of Guru Rinpoche’s shoes
4 Centuries of Restoration
Temple Consecration
1st Shangpa Rinpoche
1st Shangpa Rinpoche
When the temple was completed, he invited his Guru from Tibet to inaugurate the temple. During the consecration ceremony, a beautiful rainbow appeared and remained in the skies for 3 days. Dakinis danced joyously to melodious celestial music on the roof, and left their footprints on the silk cloth, which can be seen by fortunate devotees endowed with great blessings. Since then, the temple was named Kutsab Ternga.
1st Shangpa Rinpoche
1st Shangpa Rinpoche
1st Shangpa Rinpoche
Over 4 centuries, the temple was restored many times. In 1954, there was a major renovation by the 1st Shangpa Rinpoche from Tibet, who was well loved and respected in the Himalayan region where he travelled to rebuild monasteries and stupas. When he arrived at Kutsab Ternga during his pilgrimage, he saw a dilapidated temple that was unfitting to house the five treasures of Guru Rinpoche.
Message from shangpa rinpoche
During my visit to Kutsab Ternga in 2001, the Lamas and villagers requested that I rebuild the temple. The temple was made of stones and mud and had deteriorated significantly in the harsh weather over time. Due to safety concerns, the five treasures were kept in different homes in the village. 17 years have passed and I would like to commence this project, despite undertaking multiple projects concurrently and the lack of funds.
This time, it will be a major restoration with additional structures and buildings. There will be a main hall at the ground floor for puja and gatherings. The 1st floor will enshrine the five treasures, with a meditation place. Rinpoche and Sangha’s rooms will flank the shrine hall. There will be a dining area and a small café
for pilgrims to take a break and have some refreshments. As this would be the first showcase of Guru Rinpoche’s five representative treasures, I ensured that the design of the temple caters to every pilgrim’s wish to venerate and receive blessings, as well as to enjoy the pristine environment.
This is a very important project as it conserves a rare historical site and revives the Buddha Dharma in Jomsom. In lower Mustang, Kutsab Ternga is the earliest temple ever built that is enshrined with holy objects of Guru Rinpoche. As it is the legacy of the 1st Shangpa Rinpoche’s mission, it is especially meaningful to ensure the continuity of the Buddha teachings across generations. I sincerely wish that every devotee of Dharma would support this project to fruition. May you resonate with this project, and may you
receive the great blessings of the Kutsab Ternga.
Shangpa Rinpoche